Mindfulness & Psychotherapy

21 Days of Purpose: A Free eCourse for Uncovering Happiness

by Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.

You have a purpose in being here…
… and part of that is remembering that you are part of something much larger than yourself.

Science and thousands of years of human experience are showing us a feeling of connection to something greater than ourselves gives us a heightened sense of well-being and resiliency. In short, it’s a natural antidepressant.

I want to invite you to an experiment based on practices in my new book, Uncovering Happiness, that can help you nurture this positive shift in your brain and positively impact the world around you.

Over the next 21 days you’ll be guided through something very simple and profound; discovering a prosocial purpose and turning your purpose into a verb.

The structure for this is loose; there is nothing strict or rigid about this program. The intention of the following 21 days is to deepen your connection to purpose and compassion in your own life and get some support in the process.

Each day you’ll receive a writing to reflect on to light up the compassionate brain. You’ll then be reminded of these three key questions from Uncovering Happiness to help keep you focused and on track:

What pro-social purpose are you involved in?

What action can I take today that is in line with this purpose?

What is this action in service of that is greater than myself?

I recommend weaving in some of the attitudes of play from Uncovering Happiness in order not to get overly serious about the whole endeavor, see it more from a learning lens and make it a playful endeavor.

A very wise woman once told me,
“If something is valuable, give it away.”

That may sound strange, but I understand what she means. As we give away what is valuable, we inevitably get back something invaluable.

If you’re wondering what that is, take a leap to commit to 21 Days of Purpose and discover it for yourself.

Commit to 21 Days of Purpose Now!

You can try this experiment on your own, or it can be fun to do with friends. Let others know what you’re up to and see the ripple effects of a group doing 21 Days of Purpose together. Share it:

We are asking people to reflect on their experiences here to let us know how it’s going. Feel free to post about the purpose your engaging, or write about it on your own blog. Comments here are welcome from anyone.

On this my first day, I want to START by thanking you for providing the encouragement and support to help us ACT.
By engaging in these exercises, in any way, during the 21 days, I am confident the results will show.
Being part of the movement to co-create unity and harmony in this world is my main purpose in life and getting
the support to act on our intentions on a daily basis is great.
I started the day with the intention to offer kind attention to the people in my life, and as I look back at the end of the day
I missed some opportunities but I am left with a firmer intention for tomorrow.
One day at a time.

Christianne, welcome! Absolutely, you can make a pro-social purpose to help others via making clothing for them.

Kelly

January 4, 2016 at 2:32 pm

What prosocial purpose am I focusing on?

I am focusing on teaching. I am a teacher but, at this time, I have not found a classroom assignment. I am tutoring students in my home. I also intend to nurture my inner student by allowing myself to spend time learning new things.

What action can I take that is in line with this purpose?

I am working at becoming more mindful. In this regard, I believe I will be more open to authentic communication with those I meet on the path.

What is this action in service of that is greater than myself? All teaching is about building relationships. Promoting self-esteem in young people. Teach kindness and patience by example.

Thank you Elisha (and sorry for my english)!
Here in Europe, an incredible number of refugees and migrants are coming from Syria and Africa. People that are going to face a winter without any support. In addition, terrorists contribute to confuse us, generating lots of fears, hate, racism toward these migrants.
I’m having a trouble time too with my baby, but that’s why I can understand how difficult could be being out there, in the cold, maybe with children alone, rejected, homeless, tired, maybe sick, so far from home, family, friends….
That’s why I want to contribute in stimulating mindful and compassionate conversations among my friends to change their minds about being so scared by these people and about the importance of staying open and generous.
In a more practical way, I want to help a person that I see almost everyday under my office asking for some money, giving clothes that I’m not using anymore and some food, on a regular basis.
I’m also committed to not buy unnecessary things (especially now, for Xmas), to save money for what really matter for me and family, and for being able to help people that really need an helping hand.

Welcome and thank you Mia. Sometimes during the most challenging times is when we can find a deep well of compassion for others. Those kind of conversations can be challenging, but very rewarding to help people face their fears and open their minds. It’s wonderful to be helping someone you know in need too!

Radhakrishnan

December 1, 2015 at 2:24 am

I have decided to contribute a small amount every month to an organisation dedicated to childrens welfare, here in India
I have also decided that i shall call and spend time on the telephone every week with an aged aunt, 82 years old, not in the best of health, who lives in a Senior Citizen’s Home in another city. Try to visit her at least every three months.
On a daily basis…..be more attentive to my wife and children.

This is a day 20 for me. I have been going back and forth with my pro social choices because have been a donor to various causes, but now things seems to crystallize and being able to spend few quiet moments every hour or so with my body sensations, thoughts and the surrounding. It has helped me to calm down a bit. It seems to introduce more pauses and awareness of choices! Very impressed with the program. Just wanted to say thank you from bottom of my heart.

I have been a meditator for quite a few years, but being mindful through out the day has been an eye opener. I have listened to your various talks & lectures and short meditations and quite impressed with your simplicity and clarity. I practice your loving kindness practice quite regularly and even do it when I am doing my daily walking. Once again thank you.

May you are able to spread your message more widely and benefit more and more people.

Jitu, so glad to hear the practice and program has brought more clarity to your pro-social purposes as well as more mindfulness and calm to you. I’m happy to hear the positive effects the practice and mindfulness has been bringing to you! That’s wonderful!

Radhakrishnan

November 26, 2015 at 10:16 pm

Yes, the thought that I am — or can be — part of something bigger than me is inspiring and reassuring. I understand the reference to resilience.

Trying to identify a prosocial cause..there are so many of them, possible causes, one has to consciously pick and choose.

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